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No. 45] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2021/SRAVANA 22, 1943 (SAKA)

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MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

(Legislative Department)

New Delhi, the 13th August, 2021/ Sravana 22, 1943 (Saka)

The following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the
13th August, 2021, and is hereby published for general information:—

THE TRIBUNALS REFORMS ACT, 2021

NO. 33 OF 2021
[13th August, 2021.]

An Act further to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Customs Act, 1962,
the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994, the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and
the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 and certain
other Acts.
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-second Year of the Republic of India as
follows: —
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1. (1) This Act may be called the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021. Short title and
commencement.
(2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 4th April, 2021.
 2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—

Definitions. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) "Chairperson" includes Chairperson, Chairman, President and Presiding Officer
of a Tribunal;
(b) "Member" includes Vice-Chairman, Vice-Chairperson, Vice-President, Account
Member, Administrative Member, Judicial Member, Expert Member, Law Member,
Revenue Member and Technical Member of a Tribunal;
(c) "notified date" means the 4th April, 2021;
(d) "Schedule" means the Schedule appended to this Act;
(e) "Tribunal" means a Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal or Authority as specified in
column (2) of the First Schedule.
CHAPTER II
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF TRIBUNAL
Qualifications, 3. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any judgment, order or decree of any
appointment, court, or in any law for the time being in force, the Central Government may, by notification
etc., of
Chairperson
in the Official Gazette, make rules to provide for the qualifications, appointment, salaries and
and Members allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of service of the Chairperson and
of Tribunal. Member of a Tribunal after taking into consideration the experience, specialisation in the
relevant field and the provisions of this Act:
Provided that a person who has not completed the age of fifty years shall not be
eligible for appointment as a Chairperson or Member.
(2) The Chairperson and the Member of a Tribunal shall be appointed by the Central
Government on the recommendation of a Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted under
sub-section (3), in such manner as the Central Government may, by rules, provide.
(3) The Search-cum-Selection Committee, except for the State Administrative Tribunal,
shall consist of—
(a) a Chairperson, who shall be the Chief Justice of India or a Judge of Supreme
Court nominated by him;
(b) two Members, who are Secretaries to the Government of India to be nominated
by that Government;
(c) one Member, who —
(i) in case of appointment of a Chairperson of a Tribunal, shall be the
outgoing Chairperson of that Tribunal; or
(ii) in case of appointment of a Member of a Tribunal, shall be the sitting
Chairperson of that Tribunal; or
(iii) in case of the Chairperson of the Tribunal seeking re-appointment,
shall be a retired Judge of the Supreme Court or a retired Chief Justice of a High
Court, to be nominated by the Chief Justice of India:
Provided that in the following cases, such Member shall always be a
retired Judge of the Supreme Court or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court, to
be nominated by the Chief Justice of India, namely:—
(i) Industrial Tribunal constituted by the Central Government under
the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947; 14 of 1947.
(ii) Debt Recovery Tribunal and Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal
established under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993; 51 of 1993.

(iii) where the Chairperson or the outgoing Chairperson, as the case

may be, of a Tribunal is not a retired Judge of the Supreme Court or a
retired Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court; and
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 3

(iv) such other Tribunals as may be notified by the Central

Government, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Search-cum-
Selection Committee of that Tribunal; and
(d) the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry or Department under
which the Tribunal is constituted or established—Member-Secretary:
Provided that the Search-cum-Selection Committee for a State Administrative
Tribunal shall consist of—
(a) the Chief Justice of the High Court of the concerned State—Chairman;
(b) the Chief Secretary of the concerned State Government—Member;
(c) the Chairman of the Public Service Commission of the concerned
State—Member;
(d) one Member, who—
(i) in case of appointment of a Chairman of the Tribunal, shall be the
outgoing Chairman of the Tribunal; or
(ii) in case of appointment of a Member of the Tribunal, shall be the
sitting Chairman of the Tribunal; or
(iii) in case of the Chairman of the Tribunal seeking re-appointment,
shall be a retired Judge of a High Court nominated by the Chief Justice of
the High Court of the concerned State:
Provided that such Member shall always be a retired Judge of a
High Court nominated by the Chief Justice of the High Court of the concerned
State, if the Chairperson or the outgoing Chairperson of the State Administrative
Tribunal, as the case may be, is not a retired Chief Justice or Judge of a
High Court;
(e) the Secretary or the Principal Secretary of the General Administrative
Department of the concerned State—Member-Secretary.
(4) The Chairperson of the Search-cum-Selection Committee shall have the casting
vote.
(5) The Member-Secretary of the Search-cum-Selection Committee shall not have any
vote.
(6) The Search-cum-Selection Committee shall determine the procedure for making its
recommendations.
(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in any judgment, order or decree of any
court, or in any law for the time being in force, the Search-cum-Selection Committee shall
recommend a panel of two names for appointment to the post of Chairperson or Member, as
the case may be, and the Central Government shall take a decision on the recommendations
made by that Committee, preferably within three months from the date of such
recommendation.
(8) No appointment shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy or absence of a
Member in the Search-cum-Selection Committee.
4. The Central Government shall, on the recommendation of the Committee, remove from Removal of
office, in such manner as may be provided by rules, any Chairperson or a Member, who— Chairperson or
Member of
(a) has been adjudged as an insolvent; or Tribunal.

(b) has been convicted of an offence which involves moral turpitude; or

(c) has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as such Chairperson
or Member; or
 4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—

(d) has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially
his functions as such Chairperson or Member; or
(e) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial
to the public interest:
Provided that where the Chairperson or Member is proposed to be removed on any
ground specified in clauses (c) to (e), he shall be informed of the charges against him and
given an opportunity of being heard in respect of those charges.
Term of 5. Notwithstanding anything contained in any judgment, order or decree of any court,
office of
or in any law for the time being in force,—
Chairperson
and Member (i) the Chairperson of a Tribunal shall hold office for a term of four years or till he
of Tribunal.
attains the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier;
(ii) the Member of a Tribunal shall hold office for a term of four years or till he
attains the age of sixty-seven years, whichever is earlier:
Provided that where a Chairperson or Member is appointed between the 26th day of
May, 2017 and the notified date, and the term of his office or the age of retirement specified
in the order of appointment issued by the Central Government is greater than that which is
specified in this section, then, notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the term
of office or age of retirement or both, as the case may be, of the Chairperson or Member shall
be as specified in his order of appointment, subject to a maximum term of office of five years.
Eligibility for 6. (1) The Chairperson and Member of a Tribunal shall be eligible for re-appointment in
re-appointment. accordance with the provisions of this Act:

Provided that, in making such re-appointment, preference shall be given to the service
rendered by such person.
(2) All re-appointments shall be made in the same manner as provided in sub-section
(2) of section 3.
Salary and 7. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any judgment, order or decree of any
allowances.
court, or in any law for the time being in force, and without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing power, the Central Government may make rules to provide for the salary of the
Chairperson and Member of a Tribunal and they shall be paid allowances and benefits to the
extent as are admissible to a Central Government officer holding the post carrying the same
pay:
Provided that, if the Chairperson or Member takes a house on rent, he may be reimbursed
a house rent higher than the house rent allowance as are admissible to a Central Government
officer holding the post carrying the same pay, subject to such limitations and conditions as
may be provided by rules.
(2) Neither the salary and allowances nor the other terms and conditions of service of
the Chairperson or Member of the Tribunal may be varied to his disadvantage after his
appointment.
CHAPTER III
AMENDMENT TO THE INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES ACT, 1947
Amendment 8. In section 7D of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, for the words and figures
of Act 14 of "Part XIV of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, be governed by the provisions of 7 of 2017.
1947.
the section 184 of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, be
governed by the provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
 SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 5

CHAPTER IV
AMENDMENTS TO THE CINEMATOGRAPH ACT, 1952
9. In the Cinematograph Act, 1952,— Amendment
of Act 37 of
(a) in section 2, clause (h) shall be omitted; 1952.

(b) in section 5C,—

(i) for the word "Tribunal", at both the places where it occurs, the words
"High Court" shall be substituted;
(ii) sub-section (2) shall be omitted;
(c) sections 5D and 5DD shall be omitted;
(d) in section 6, the words and brackets "or, as the case may be, decided by the
Tribunal (but not including any proceeding in respect of any matter which is pending
before the Tribunal)" shall be omitted;
(e) in sections 7A and 7C, for the word "Tribunal", wherever it occurs, the words
"High Court" shall be substituted;
(f) in sections 7D, 7E and 7F, the words "the Tribunal,", wherever they occur,
shall be omitted;
(g) in section 8, in sub-section (2), clauses (h), (i), (j) and (k) shall be omitted.
CHAPTER V
AMENDMENTS TO THE COPYRIGHT ACT, 1957
10. In the Copyright Act, 1957,— Amendment
of Act 14 of
(a) in section 2,— 1957.

(i) clause (aa) shall be omitted;

(ii) clause (fa) shall be re-lettered as clause (faa) and before the
clause (faa) as so re-lettered, the following clause shall be inserted, namely:—
'(fa) "Commercial Court", for the purposes of any State, means a
Commercial Court constituted under section 3, or the Commercial Division
of a High Court constituted under section 4, of the Commercial Courts
4 of 2016. Act, 2015;';
(iii) for clause (u), the following clause shall be substituted, namely:—
'(u) "prescribed" means,—
(i) in relation to proceedings before a High Court, prescribed
by rules made by the High Court; and
(ii) in other cases, prescribed by rules made under this Act;';
(b) in section 6,—
(i) for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the words
"Commercial Court" shall be substituted;
(ii) the words and figures "constituted under section 11 whose decision
thereon shall be final" shall be omitted;
(c) in Chapter II, in the Chapter heading, the words "AND APPELLATE BOARD"
shall be omitted;
(d) sections 11 and 12 shall be omitted;
 6 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—

(e) in sections 19A, 23, 31, 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D, 32, 32A and 33A, for the words
"Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the words "Commercial Court" shall be
substituted;
(f) in section 50, for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the
words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(g) in section 53A,—
(i) for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the words
"Commercial Court" shall be substituted;
(ii) in sub-section (2), the words "and the decision of the Appellate Board
in this behalf shall be final" shall be omitted;
(h) in section 54, for the words "Appellate Board", the words "Commercial Court"
shall be substituted;
(i) for section 72, the following section shall be substituted, namely:—
Appeals "72. (1) Any person aggrieved by any final decision or order of the Registrar
against orders of Copyrights may, within three months from the date of the order or decision,
of Registrar
of Copyrights.
appeal to the High Court.
(2) Every such appeal shall be heard by a single Judge of the High Court:
Provided that any such Judge may, if he so thinks fit, refer the appeal at
any stage of the proceeding to a Bench of the High Court.
(3) Where an appeal is heard by a single Judge, a further appeal shall lie to
a Bench of the High Court within three months from the date of decision or order
of the single Judge.
(4) In calculating the period of three months provided for an appeal under
this section, the time taken in granting a certified copy of the order or record of
the decision appealed against shall be excluded.";
(j) in sections 74 and 75, the words "and the Appellate Board", wherever they
occur, shall be omitted;
(k) in section 77, the words "and every member of the Appellate Board" shall be
omitted;
(l) in section 78, in sub-section (2),—
(i) clauses (cA) and (ccB) shall be omitted;
(ii) in clause (f), the words "and the Appellate Board" shall be omitted.
CHAPTER VI
AMENDMENT TO THE INCOME-TAX ACT, 1961
Amendment 11. In section 252A of the Income-tax Act, 1961, for the words and figures
of Act 43 of
1961.
"Part XIV of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the 7 of 2017.
section 184 of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall be
governed by the provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
CHAPTER VII
AMENDMENTS TO THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1962
Amendment 12. In the Customs Act, 1962,—
of Act 52 of
1962. (a) in section 28E, clauses (ba), (f) and (g) shall be omitted;
 SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 7

(b) in section 28EA, the proviso shall be omitted;

(c) in section 28F, sub-section (1) shall be omitted;
(d) in section 28KA,—
(i) in sub-section (1), for the words "Appellate Authority", at both the
places where they occur, the words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(ii) sub-section (2) shall be omitted;
(e) in section 28L, the words "or Appellate Authority", wherever they occur,
shall be omitted;
(f) in section 28M,—
(i) in the marginal heading, the words "and Appellate Authority" shall be
omitted;
(ii) sub-section (2) shall be omitted;
(g) in section 129, in sub-section (7), for the words and figures "Part XIV of
7 of 2017. Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the
section 184 of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall
be governed by the provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.

CHAPTER VIII
AMENDMENTS TO THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
13. In the Patents Act, 1970,— Amendment
of Act 39 of
(a) in section 2, in sub-section (1),— 1970.

(i) clause (a) shall be omitted;

(ii) in clause (u), sub-clause (B) shall be omitted;
(b) in section 52, the words "Appellate Board or", wherever they occur, shall be
omitted;
(c) in section 58,—
(i) the words "the Appellate Board or", wherever they occur, shall be
omitted;
(ii) the words "as the case may be" shall be omitted;
(d) in section 59, the words "the Appellate Board or" shall be omitted;
(e) in section 64, in sub-section (1), the words "by the Appellate Board" shall be
omitted;
(f) in section 71, for the words "Appellate Board" and "Board", wherever they
occur, the words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(g) in section 76, the words "or Appellate Board" shall be omitted;
(h) in section 113,—
(i) in sub-section (1),—
(A) the words "the Appellate Board or", wherever they occur, shall
be omitted;
(B) the words "as the case may be" shall be omitted;
(ii) in sub-section (3), the words "or the Appellate Board" shall be omitted;
 8 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—

(i) in Chapter XIX, for the Chapter heading, the Chapter heading "APPEALS"
shall be substituted;
(j) sections 116 and 117 shall be omitted;
(k) in section 117A, for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the
words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(l) sections 117B, 117C and 117D shall be omitted;
(m) in section 117E, for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the
words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(n) sections 117F, 117G and 117H shall be omitted;
(o) in section 151,—
(i) in sub-section (1), the words "or the Appellate Board", at both the
places where they occur, shall be omitted;
(ii) in sub-section (3), for the words "the Appellate Board or the courts, as
the case may be", the words "the courts" shall be substituted;
(p) in section 159, in sub-section (2), clauses (xiia), (xiib) and (xiic) shall be
omitted.
CHAPTER IX
AMENDMENT TO THE SMUGGLERS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANIPULATORS (FORFEITURE OF
PROPERTY) ACT, 1976
Amendment 14. In section 12A of the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of
of Act 13 of Property) Act, 1976, for the words and figures "Part XIV of Chapter VI of the Finance
1976.
Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the section 184 of that Act", the words and 7 of 2017.
figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter II of
the said Act" shall be substituted.
CHAPTER X
AMENDMENT TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS ACT, 1985
Amendment 15. In section 10B of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, for the words and figures
of Act 13 of
"Part XIV of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the 7 of 2017.
1985.
section 184 of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall be
governed by the provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
CHAPTER XI
AMENDMENT TO THE RAILWAY CLAIMS TRIBUNAL ACT, 1987
Amendment 16. In section 9A of the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987, for the words and figures
of Act 54 of "Part XIV of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the 7 of 2017.
1987.
section 184 of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall be
governed by the provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
CHAPTER XII
AMENDMENT TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA ACT, 1992
Amendment 17. In section 15QA of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, for the
of Act 15 of
words and figures "Part XIV of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the 7 of 2017.
1992.
provisions of the section 184 of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act,
2021, shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
 SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 9

CHAPTER XIII
AMENDMENT TO THE RECOVERY OF DEBTS AND BANKRUPTCY ACT, 1993
18. In the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993,— Amendment
of Act 51 of
(a) in section 6A, for the words and figures "Part XIV of Chapter VI of the 1993.
7 of 2017. Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the section 184 of that Act",
the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall be governed by the
provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted;
(b) in section 15A, for the words and figures "Part XIV of Chapter VI of the
7 of 2017. Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the section 184 of that Act",
the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall be governed by the
provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
CHAPTER XIV
AMENDMENTS TO THE AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA ACT, 1994
19. In the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994,— Amendment
of Act 55 of
(a) in section 28A, clause (e) shall be omitted; 1994.

(b) in section 28E, for the word "Tribunal", at both the places where it occurs,
the words "Central Government" shall be substituted;

(c) sections 28-I, 28J and 28JA shall be omitted;

(d) in section 28K,—

(i) in sub-section (1),—

(A) for the words "Tribunal in such form as may be prescribed", the
words "High Court" shall be substituted;

(B) in the proviso, for the word "Tribunal", the words "High Court"
shall be substituted;

(ii) sub-sections (2), (3), (4) and (5) shall be omitted;

(e) section 28L shall be omitted;

(f) in section 28M, the words "or the Tribunal" shall be omitted;

(g) in section 28N, in sub-section (2), for the word "Tribunal", the words
"High Court" shall be substituted;

(h) in section 33, the words "or the Chairperson of the Tribunal" shall be omitted;

(i) in section 41, in sub-section (2), clauses (gvi), (gvii), (gviii) and (gix) shall be
omitted.

CHAPTER XV

AMENDMENT TO THE TELECOM REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF INDIA ACT, 1997

20. In section 14GA of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, for the Amendment
of Act 24 of
7 of 2017. words and figures "Part XIV of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the
1997.
provisions of section 184 of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act,
2021, shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
 10 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—

CHAPTER XVI
AMENDMENTS TO THE TRADE MARKS ACT, 1999
Amendment 21. In the Trade Marks Act, 1999,—
of Act 47 of
1999. (a) in section 2, in sub-section (1),—
(i) clauses (a), (d), (f), (k), (n), (ze) and (zf) shall be omitted;
(ii) for clause (s), the following clause shall be substituted, namely:—
'(s) "prescribed" means,—
(i) in relation to proceedings before a High Court, prescribed
by rules made by the High Court; and
(ii) in other cases, prescribed by rules made under this Act;';
(b) in section 10, for the word "tribunal", the words "Registrar or the High Court,
as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(c) in section 26, for the word "tribunal", the words "Registrar or the High Court,
as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(d) in section 46, in sub-section (3), for the word "tribunal", the words "Registrar
or the High Court, as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(e) in section 47, —
(i) for the words "Appellate Board", at both the places where they occur,
the words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(ii) for the word "tribunal", wherever it occurs, the words "Registrar or the
High Court, as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(f) in section 55, in sub-section (1), for the word "tribunal", the words "Registrar
or the High Court, as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(g) in section 57, —
(i) for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the words
"High Court" shall be substituted;
(ii) for the word "tribunal", wherever it occurs, the words "Registrar or the
High Court, as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(h) in section 71, in sub-section (3), for the word "tribunal", the words "Registrar
or the High Court, as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(i) in Chapter XI, for the Chapter heading, the Chapter heading "APPEALS"
shall be substituted;
(j) sections 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 89A and 90 shall be omitted;
(k) in section 91, for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the
words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(l) sections 92 and 93 shall be omitted;
(m) for section 94, the following section shall be substituted, namely:—
Bar to "94. On ceasing to hold the office, the erstwhile Chairperson,
appear before Vice-Chairperson or other Members shall not appear before the Registrar.";
Registrar.
(n) sections 95 and 96 shall be omitted;
(o) in section 97, for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the
words "High Court" shall be substituted;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 11

(p) in section 98, for the words "Appellate Board" or "Board", wherever they
occur, the words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(q) sections 99 and 100 shall be omitted;
(r) in section 113,—
(i) for the words "Appellate Board", at both the places where they occur,
the words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(ii) for the word "tribunal", the words "Registrar or the High Court, as the
case may be," shall be substituted;
(s) in section 123, the words "and every Member of the Appellate Board" shall be
omitted;
(t) in sections 124 and 125, for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they
occur, the words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(u) in section 130, the words "the Appellate Board or" shall be omitted;
(v) in section 141, for the words "Appellate Board", at both the places where
they occur, the words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(w) in section 144, for the word "tribunal", the words "Registrar or the High
Court, as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(x) in section 157, in sub-section (2),—
(i) clauses (xxxi) and (xxxii) shall be omitted;
(ii) in clause (xxxiii), for the words "Appellate Board", the words "High
Court" shall be substituted.
CHAPTER XVII
AMENDMENTS TO THE GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS OF GOODS (REGISTRATION AND PROTECTION)
ACT, 1999
22. In the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999,— Amendment
of Act 48 of
(a) in section 2, in sub-section (1), clauses (a) and (p) shall be omitted; 1999.

(b) in section 19, for the word "tribunal", the words "Registrar or the High Court,
as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(c) in section 23, for the words "and before the Appellate Board before which",
the words "before whom" shall be substituted;
(d) in section 27,—
(i) for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the words "High
Court" shall be substituted;
(ii) for the word "tribunal", wherever it occurs, the words "Registrar or the
High Court, as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(e) in Chapter VII, for the Chapter heading, the Chapter heading "APPEALS"
shall be substituted;
(f) in section 31,—
(i) for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the words "High
Court" shall be substituted;
(ii) sub-section (3) shall be omitted;
(g) sections 32 and 33 shall be omitted;
 12 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—

(h) in sections 34 and 35, for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur,
the words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(i) section 36 shall be omitted;
(j) in section 48,—
(i) for the words "Appellate Board", at both the places where they occur,
the words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(ii) for the word "tribunal", the words "Registrar or the High Court, as the
case may be," shall be substituted;
(k) in sections 57 and 58, for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur,
the words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(l) in section 63, the words "the Appellate Board or" shall be omitted;
(m) in section 72, for the words "Appellate Board", wherever they occur, the
words "High Court" shall be substituted;
(n) in section 75, for the word "tribunal", the words "Registrar or the High Court,
as the case may be," shall be substituted;
(o) in section 87, in sub-section (2), clause (n) shall be omitted.
CHAPTER XVIII
AMENDMENTS TO THE PROTECTION OF PLANT VARIETIES AND FARMERS' RIGHTS ACT, 2001
Amendment 23. In the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001,—
of Act 53 of
2001. (a) in section 2,—
(i) clauses (d), (n) and (o) shall be omitted;
(ii) for clause (q), the following clause shall be substituted, namely:—
'(q) "prescribed" means,—
(i) in relation to proceedings before a High Court, prescribed
by rules made by the High Court; and
(ii) in other cases, prescribed by rules made under this Act;';
(iii) clauses (y) and (z) shall be omitted;
(b) in section 44, the words "or the Tribunal" shall be omitted;
(c) in Chapter VIII, for the Chapter heading, the Chapter heading "APPEALS"
shall be substituted;
(d) sections 54 and 55 shall be omitted;
(e) in section 56,—
(i) for the word "Tribunal", wherever it occurs, the words "High Court"
shall be substituted;
(ii) sub-section (3) shall be omitted;
(f) in section 57,—
(i) for the word "Tribunal", wherever it occurs, the words "High Court"
shall be substituted;
(ii) sub-section (5) shall be omitted;
(g) sections 58 and 59 shall be omitted;
 SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 13

(h) in section 89, the words "or the Tribunal" shall be omitted.
CHAPTER XIX
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONTROL OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS (LAND AND TRAFFIC) ACT, 2002
24. In the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002,— Amendment
of Act 13 of
(a) in section 2,— 2003.

(i) clause (a) shall be omitted;

(ii) after clause (d), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:—
'(da) "Court" means the principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction
in a district, and includes the High Court in exercise of its ordinary original
civil jurisdiction;';
(iii) clause (l) shall be omitted;
(b) in Chapter II, in the Chapter heading, the words "AND TRIBUNALS, ETC."
shall be omitted;
(c) section 5 shall be omitted;
(d) for section 14, the following section shall be substituted, namely:—
"14. An appeal from any order passed, or any action taken, excluding Appeal.
issuance or serving of notices, under sections 26, 27, 28, 36, 37 and 38 by the
Highway Administration or an officer authorised on its behalf, as the case may
be, shall lie to the Court.";
(e) sections 15 and 16 shall be omitted;
(f) in section 17, for the word "Tribunal", at both the places where it occurs, the
word "Court" shall be substituted;
(g) section 18 shall be omitted;
(h) in section 19, for the word "Tribunal", at both the places where it occurs, the
word "Court" shall be substituted;
(i) section 40 shall be omitted;
(j) in section 41,—
(i) the words "or every order passed or decision made on appeal under
this Act by the Tribunal" shall be omitted;
(ii) the words "or Tribunal" shall be omitted;
(k) in section 50, in sub-section (2), clause (f) shall be omitted.
CHAPTER XX
AMENDMENT TO THE ELECTRICITY ACT, 2003
25. In section 117A of the Electricity Act, 2003, for the words and figures "Part XIV Amendment
7 of 2017. of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the section 184 of Act 36 of
2003.
of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall be governed by the
provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
CHAPTER XXI
AMENDMENT TO THE ARMED FORCE TRIBUNAL ACT, 2007
26. In section 9A of the Armed Force Tribunal Act, 2007, for the words and figures Amendment
7 of 2017. "Part XIV of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the of Act 55 of
2007.
 14 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—

section 184 of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall be
governed by the provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
CHAPTER XXII
AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL ACT, 2010
Amendment 27. In section 10A of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, for the words and figures
of Act 19 of "Part XIV of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the 7 of 2017.
2010.
section 184 of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall be
governed by the provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
CHAPTER XXIII
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013
Amendment 28. In section 417A of the Companies Act, 2013, for the words and figures "Part XIV
of Act 18 of
of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be governed by the provisions of the 7 of 2017.
2013.
section 184 of that Act", the words and figures "the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, shall be
governed by the provisions of Chapter II of the said Act" shall be substituted.
CHAPTER XXIV
AMENDMENT TO THE FINANCE ACT, 2017
Amendment 29. In the Finance Act, 2017, sections 183 and 184 and the Eighth Schedule shall be
of Act 7 of
omitted.
2017.
CHAPTER XXV
AMENDMENT TO THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 2019
Amendment 30. In section 55 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, after sub-section (1), the
of Act 35 of following sub-section shall be inserted, namely:—
2019.
"(1A) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the qualifications,
appointment, term of office, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and the
other terms and conditions of service of the President and other members of the
National Commission appointed after the commencement of the Tribunal Reforms
Act, 2021, shall be governed by the provisions of the said Act.".
CHAPTER XXVI
MISCELLANEOUS
Power to 31. (1) If the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do,
amend the it may, by notification published in the Official Gazette, amend the Schedule and thereupon,
Schedule.
the said Schedule shall be deemed to have been amended accordingly.
(2) A copy of every notification issued under sub-section (1) shall be laid before each
House of Parliament as soon as may be after it is issued.
Rules to be 32. Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made,
laid before before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which
Parliament.
may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the
expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid,
both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule
should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of
no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be
without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.
 SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 15

33. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, any Transitional
person appointed as the Chairperson or Chairman or President or Presiding Officer or provisions.
Vice-Chairperson or Vice-Chairman or Vice-President or Member of the Tribunal, Appellate
Tribunal, or, as the case may be, other Authorities specified in the Second Schedule and
holding office as such immediately before the notified date, shall, on and from the notified
date, cease to hold such office, and he shall be entitled to claim compensation not exceeding
three months' pay and allowances for the premature termination of term of his office or of any
contract of service.
(2) The officers and other employees of the Tribunals, Appellate Tribunals and other
Authorities specified in the Second Schedule appointed on deputation, before the notified
date, shall, on and from the notified date, stand reverted to their parent cadre, Ministry or
Department.
(3) Any appeal, application or proceeding pending before the Tribunal, Appellate
Tribunal or other Authorities specified in the Second Schedule, other than those pending
43 of 1961. before the Authority for Advance Rulings under the Income-tax Act, 1961, before the notified
date, shall stand transferred to the court before which it would have been filed had this Act
been in force on the date of filing of such appeal or application or initiation of the proceeding,
and the court may proceed to deal with such cases from the stage at which it stood before
such transfer, or from any earlier stage, or de novo, as the court may deem fit.
(4) The balance of all monies received by, or advanced to, the Tribunal, Appellate
Tribunal or other Authorities specified in the Second Schedule and not spent by it before the
notified date, shall, on and from the notified date, stand transferred to the Central Government.
(5) All property of whatever kind owned by, or vested in, the Tribunal, Appellate
Tribunal or other Authorities specified in the Second Schedule before the notified date, shall
stand transferred to, on and from the notified date, and shall vest in the Central Government.
34. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Power to
Government may, by general or special order published in the Official Gazette, make such remove
difficulties.
provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary
or expedient for removing the difficulty:
Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of a period of three years
from the notified date.
(2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid
before each House of Parliament.

Ord. 2 of 35. (1) The Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Repeal and
2021. Ordinance, 2021 is hereby repealed. saving.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the
37 of 1952. Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Copyright Act, 1957, the Customs Act, 1962, the Patents Act,
14 of 1957. 1970, the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994, the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the Geographical
52 of 1962. Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, the Protection of Plant Varieties
39 of 1970.
55 of 1994. and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 and the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic)
47 of 1999. Act, 2002, as amended by the said Ordinance, shall be deemed to have been done or taken
48 of 1999. under the corresponding provisions of those Acts, as amended by this Act.
53 of 2001.
13 of 2003.
16 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—

THE FIRST SCHEDULE

[See section 2(e)]

Sl. Tribunal/Appellate Tribunal/Board/ Acts

No. Authority
(1) (2) (3)
1. Industrial Tribunal constituted by the The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
Central Government (14 of 1947)
2. Income-tax Appellate Tribunal The Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961)
3. Customs, Excise and Service Tax The Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962)
Appellate Tribunal
4. Appellate Tribunal The Smugglers and Foreign Exchange
Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property)
Act, 1976 (13 of 1976)
5. Central Administrative Tribunal The Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985
(13 of 1985)
6. State Administrative Tribunals The Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985
(13 of 1985)
7. Railway Claims Tribunal The Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987
(54 of 1987)
8. Securities Appellate Tribunal The Securities and Exchange Board of India
Act, 1992 (15 of 1992)
9. Debts Recovery Tribunal The Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy
Act, 1993 (51 of 1993)
10. Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunal The Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy
Act, 1993 (51 of 1993)
11. Telecom Disputes Settlement and The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Appellate Tribunal Act, 1997 (24 of 1997)
12. National Company Law Appellate Tribunal The Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013)
13. National Consumer Disputes The Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Redressal Commission (35 of 2019)
14. Appellate Tribunal for Electricity The Electricity Act, 2003 (36 of 2003)
15. Armed Forces Tribunal The Armed Forces Act, 2007 (55 of 2007)
16. National Green Tribunal The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
(19 of 2010).

16
 SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 17

THE SECOND SCHEDULE

(See section 33)
1. Appellate Tribunal under Cinematograph Act, 1952 (37 of 1952).
2. Authority for Advance Rulings under Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961).
3. Airport Appellate Tribunal under Airports Authority of India Act, 1994
(55 of 1994).
4. Intellectual Property Appellate Board under Trade Marks Act, 1999 (47 of 1999).
5. Plant Varieties Protection Appellate Tribunal under Protection of Plant Varieties
and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 (53 of 2001).

————

ANOOP KUMAR MENDIRATTA,

Secretary to the Govt. of India.

UPLOADED BY THE MANAGER, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA PRESS, MINTO ROAD, NEW DELHI–110002
AND PUBLISHED BY THE CONTROLLER OF PUBLICATIONS, DELHI–110054.
SUBIR Digitally signed by
SUBIR NARAYAN
NARAYAN GARAI

MGIPMRND—718GI(S3)—12-08-2021.
Date: 2021.08.13
GARAI 23:27:13 +05'30'